The tragic death of two-year-old Habiba Hesham Abdul Rahman from pesticide poisoning should serve as a wake-up call to those who indulge in illegal activities that the law will catch up with them and inflict the strictest of punishments.
Authorities probing the case must ensure that situations like this must never repeat themselves since the lives of young children are at risk given that the victim’s brother is currently lying in intensive care and fighting for his life. The use of dangerous pesticides must be regulated by laws. The law must address pesticide registration, classification and labelling, use, disposal and other topics. There must be sections pertaining to pesticide users and classified under categories, record-keeping, certification and penalties for violations. Users must also undergo an extensive training programme on the use of dangerous materials given the fact that the amount of pesticide used was 200 times the prescribed limit.
The Sharjah Police have done well to apprehend the culprits. The case drawn up shows the method behind their approach. It is now time to apply the full letter of the law against those behind such irresponsible behaviour. At the very least it will act as a strong deterrent to those who would think of resorting to such irresponsible and callous actions.
